Irish Parents Review English Curriculum

  Donal Ryan’s ‘The Spinning Heart’ is set in a recession hit Ireland. It follows the aftermath of the financial collapse and portrays the subsequent damage on people’s lives. Each chapter is told from the perspective of twenty-one different people or ‘voices’ whose lives become fatally entwined. Tensions surface in an Irish town when the local building firm at the heart of its former prosperity goes into liquidation. Its corrupt boss flees the country, leaving in his wake shock, confusion, lost hopes and dreams, and betrayed employees left jobless, without pension and in debt. Verdict: I would not recommend this novel for Leaving Certificate students. The themes of mental health and violence amongst dysfunctional families as people struggle to make sense of their lives, paint a cheerless and oppressive world. Maltreatment by alcoholic or abusive fathers is additionally disturbing. Pupils may already be experiencing some of these difficult circumstances and need encouragement a...

Sumary of story by Doug Johnstone (Independent)   The Cove   is set in the most remote part of Madison County in 1917, where Laurel and her brother Hank struggle to survive on a hardscrabble farmstead in a cove that barely seems to see the light of day. Hank has returned from the First World War missing a hand, while Laurel's port-wine stain birthmark sees her ostracised by locals who still cling to old folksy superstitions and think her a witch. One morning, Laurel discovers a man in the woods near the farm, almost stung to death by a swarm of wasps. As she nurses him back to health, she discovers that the man – Walter – is mute and can't read or write, but can play the flute like an angel. When Walter recovers, he stays on the farm to help Hank with the chores, and Laurel begins to fall in love with him. All this is set against a backdrop of small-town paranoia and hysteria. Members of the local town, whipped up by anti-German propaganda, seek to persecute anyone they suspec...

  Pepper Roux is a young boy who has been told that he will die on his 14th birthday, so in order to circumvent death, he steps into other people's lives and "becomes" them. The book recounts Pepper's manic and many adventures as he lives a wide variety of lives and the writing is descriptive, original and beautiful in parts. Opinion on this book is divided with some readers finding it confusing and having difficulty engaging with the many characters we are presented with, because there is not enough time given to proper character development, while others sing the book's praises. Verdict: This book does contain some objectionable language (damn, bitch, ass, piss, and multiple uses of whore) Also, some students could potentially feel offended at the negative and definite "weaponised" portrayal  of Catholicism. 

Mustang movie by Deniz Gamze Erguven (not to be confused with The Mustang by Laure de Clermont   ) This movie follows the story of a family of five orphaned sisters living in a coastal village on the Black Sea. In order to ensure that they don’t mess around sexually with boys, they are confined at home and controlled by their grandmother and uncle and forced/cajolled to marry. The characters’ relationships to the outside world, each other and their circumstances, are examined and explored in this movie. The theme of gender expectations is highlighted as the girls question their destinies. The story is moving at times and the girls are likeable and spirited, but overall, the message of the film is bleak and negative attitudes towards women and sexuality are portrayed. It also portrays men in a very negative light who have double standards when it comes to sex: they want their wives to be pure and chaste and yet have no problem in having sex with young women they are not married to...

 This book , described by Amazon as "an exciting, disturbing....perceptive and harrowing portrait of life on the street as a serial killer preys on the young and vulnerable homeless"  follows the story of "Link", a teenager who runs away from an abusive home situation and finds himself living on the streets, at the mercy of a callous landlord, sexual predators, an undercover reporter who pretends to be his friend in order to get a scoop, a friend who goes missing, and ultimately, the serial killer himself. In the book, the serial killer outlines potential methods of disposing of his vctims such as acid baths, dismemberment and filling a victim's shoes with cement before dumping the body in the river. This book contains a good deal of profane, offensive language. Verdict: We at IrishParents do not feel that the subject matter, or the tone of this book are edifying or helpful in the classroom setting. Not suitable to be read at Junior level. I am worried about s...

Ladybird (movie) by Greta Gerwig This movie stars Saoirse Ronan (”Ladybird”) as a rebellious teenager, anxious to get away from her annoying  mother and family. Although the acting is flawless, it’s the usual coming of age story complete with a heavy dose of profanity and crude expressions, disrespectful language and attitude (primarily aimed at the mother) and also features teen use of alcohol/drugs and the main character, Ladybird, (aged 17) having sex with a boy. (This scene is fairly explicit). When she expresses surprise that this first sexual experience wasn’t more special for her, the boy (who has already had sex with 6 other girls) tells her that she is ” …going to have so much much unspecial sex in your life”.  There are various other scenes which  include a brief homosexual encounter, masturbation (implied), and conversations between Ladybird and her friend about sex. Verdict: I can see why the movie was chosen as it explores issues like the Mother-Daughter con...

Kes tells the grim but compelling story of young Billy Casper, a lad who comes from a dysfunctional home on a run-down English council estate in 1969 . His home life is miserable and bleak with various scenes of cruelty and mild violence as both he, his brother and his mother are often in conflict with each other. Rough, angry interchanges are common between them. Billy's school life isn't much better as he doesn't excel at sport or academics and is often bullied by his peers and teachers alike. The bright spot in his life occurs when he catches and trains a baby kestrel ("Kes") and the juxtaposition of the kestrel's freedom and Billy's captivity (within his own, his family's and his society's, limitations), is powerfully portrayed in this raw and sometimes bleak realistic film.  Verdict: Bleak, depressing and upsetting for some sensitive viewers who might not cope well with the many angry "shouting scenes", the bad/crude language and the...

TRASH by Andy Mulligan This novel deals with the three main  themes of poverty, corruption and friendship and is set in a country (South America/The philippines ??) where many children have to live in or around dumpsites and scavenge among the rubbish for a living. The friendship between 3 boys -Raphael,Gardo and Rat-  is put to the test when one of them finds something valuable amidst all the rubbish, is hunted down by the police and unwittingly sets in motion a whole series of events which ultimately transform the boys’ lives. Verdict: Although this novel isn’t like the literature books I remember studying in my English class for school, I like the way it deals with modern themes like social justice. I think it is suitable for young people to read at Junior Cycle level. (Aine,Co.Leitrim)

Kindertransport by Diane Samuels This is an interesting play about the relationships between a mother and her daughter, from whom she has kept hidden the mystery of her past as a child survivor of the Kindertransport program from Germany to England. It also explores the relationship between the mother and her own mother, from whom she was separated as a child, due to the war. Their relationships are, in the main, portrayed as negative and strained. The play is passionate and raw in places and finishes more on a hope-less note, rather than a hope-filled one. All in all, not the best choice for second level students in my opinion (as a teacher) when there is such an abundance of optimistic, heroic stories connected with this subject out there (Holocaust separation and survival; Mother-daughter relationships). Review by Emily S. English Teacher, Co.Dublin 

IF THIS IS A MAN by Primo Levi Primo Levi writes his true memoirs of life as an Italian homosexual survivor of Auschwitz. Very well written account, both moving and surprisingly objective. It is probably the only account of the holocaust and a victim’s account, which I have read, in which he does not usually name any of the Nazi Officers or perpetrators. This is an important book for our time. However, as an English teacher, I have to admit that this book would be well beyond the capacity of the majority of my students (even those at higher level). This is more a book for 3rd level in my opinion. The vocabulary alone is too sophisticated and the many lengthy descriptive passages which it contains would turn my students off. They simply wouldn’t have the concentration for this level….I would recommend replacing this book with other more readable accounts of holocaust survival stories,of which there are many. (Reviewed by Julie D. Teacher and Mother,Co.Dublin)

Never let me go by  Kazuo Ishiguri (a writer I usually promote and enjoy). This is a thought-provoking book and explores the theme of clones being generated and raised for the sole purpose of organ harvesting/donating. It asks the questions: do clones have souls? And are they truly capable of having loving sexual  relationships etc. The book is well-written, has an intriguing story-line etc. However, it continually promotes, encourages and normalises the idea of underage sex between the students in the story (which, for the most part, is set in a school), so for this reason alone, I am NOT happy for my underage daughter to be reading this book in her English class.  (Jane M.,Co.Waterford) Verdict: Why the continual emphasis on sex,sex,sex ??! I want my daughter to fill her school-going years with healthy friendships, sport, music, hobbies, creativity etc….not sex! There is a time for everything and sexual liaisons, diseases, pregnancy etc can be explored AFTER these pre...

Days Without End by Sebastian Barry presents and promotes the adult theme of the love relationship between a  male homosexual couple against the backdrop of the Civil War in America. Sebastian Barry is a good writer but I do not feel that my child’s English class is the place to be promoting particular sexual agendas.. Days Without End also highlights and actively promotes the theme of Cross Dressing and Trans-Genderism and makes constant reference to lust and sexual longings. It also contains a good deal of  offensive language and extreme descriptions of gore and cruelty, with no obvious redeeming theme. Verdict: This is an adult book and is NOT suitable reading material for our kids who are still teenagers. I feel that there are many more themes which could be taught and explored in English class. Sexual themes are everywhere already -the media is saturated with this. Our young people need to think about more than just sex! (James S. Co.Monaghan),Father of 2 teenage sons,1 ...

. The theme of Into The Grey by Celine Kiernan is Demon Possession and is riddled with bad language: Fecking,fucking,Jesus,Christ,fuck,bloody hell,shit,crap,piss etc etc. The dysfunctional main family characters in the story often refer to each other as “eejit” or “dope”,and old people are referred to as “old Biddies”.There are various scenes of disturbing flashbacks and demonic attack. The book contains bleak themes of death and suicide. Verdict: Why would I want my child to read this book? What merit does it have? My wife is upset at all the bad language…. (Tom,Co.Longford,Father of 4) Verdict: Depressing book. I would not describe this as “literary” but rather trashy. I do not recommend this book for anyone of any age. (Vivienne B. Co.Dublin,Mother and Teacher) Verdict: Am surprised and upset to see this book recommended on our school curriculum! (Pauline H. Co. Leitrim)

The Boy Who Lost his face by Louis Sachar,which has been recommended for first years, promotes Paedophilia , with teenage boys looking at pictures of naked young underage girls: “Most of the girls were pretty young, probably under seven years old, but there were a  couple of girls who were at least fourteen or fifteen”  Although the author describes the protagonist of the story feeling “disgusted” with himself “ he still kept looking” and “here he was getting his kicks by looking at them” . The author also writes that one of the girls “....about nine years old……..had the happiest face he had ever seen. She looked like she was just laughing her head off”. The Boy who Lost his Face also promotes disrespect towards parents e.g the main character, David, giving his Mum the finger. Later, when David’s dad comes to discuss the incident with him, they seem to come to the conclusion that it’s not really that bad a thing to do: it’s really only bad because we, as a society, has dec...

The Outsiders is a popular choice for study in the classroom as it is an easy read and appeals to weaker students (as well as those of higher ability) who sometimes view themselves as "Outsiders", in the school system..... The story centres around two rival teenage gangs: the Socs and the Greasers and explores themes of identity, loyalty, friendship and self-sacrifice. While these may be interesting themes and the book, realistic and easy to understand, we feel that there are better quality books out there which explore these very common themes. The Outsiders is not particularly well-written and does not give any balance to the negatives it portrays: there are no good role models and few redemptive moments in this story. Rather it is full of disturbing murders, suicide, fighting, family conflict and dysfunction, objectionable language and violence.  Verdict: While we understand that social realism has its place in literature, we feel that many young students at junior level ...

Rosie : story by Roddy Doyle. Movie directed by Paddy Breathnach This movie is SO mediocre and repetitive,it becomes tedious to watch. It was clearly only chosen for the relevant topic of modern day homelessness which it deals with. The entire movie, which is filmed more like a low- budget home movie, seems to revolve around a mother sitting in her car, making endless phone calls to various hostels and B&Bs in a desperate attempt to find accommodation for herself and her young family. It is boring, repetitive and contains a lot of expletives and bad language. Although I do think it is a good idea to make young people aware of the plight of homeless families in modern-day Ireland, this movie is not going to inspire them to do much to help. Verdict: Bad choice for the English Curriculum. Nothing of literary value here …. (J. McM. Parent & Teacher, Co.Galway)

  A hilarious and poetic coming-of-age story about a natural-born trouble maker, and his relationship with his father. The story follows Inua’s real life journey from his birth place in Nigeria to the culture-shock of England, charting his trials, tribulations and mischief-making along the way.  Using playful rhymes, Inua weaves vivid and endearing characters, while at the same time challenging expectations of what it is to be a young black male in the UK today. (Review by Fuel) In ' The 14th Tale ', Inua vividly describes the exploits of a natural-born mischief maker growing up from clay streets in Nigeria to roof tops in Dublin and finally, to heartbreak in London. " A sharp reminder of the power of language and rhythm" --The Scotsman "original, experimental, beautiful" --Culture Wars. Review by By  Lewis Porteous PUBLISHED 23 AUG 2009 .......  The 14th Tale.....relates  the experiences of performance poet, Inua Ellams, a Nigerian expatriate, who spent man...

  Of Mice and Men  is a novella written  by  John Steinbeck. Published  in  1937, it narrates the experiences  of  George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant ranch workers, who move  from  place  to  place  in  California  in  search  of  new job opportunities during the Great Depression  in  the United States. (wikipedia) Themes dealt with are: dreams, loneliness, friendship, relationships, power and economic injustices. Many teachers do not consider this adult book suitable to be studied in school as it has upsetting themes and scenes (for example, when intellectually challenged " Lennie" accidentally smothers his pet mice, chokes the boss's wife to death and is later shot by his best friend, to name but a few). It also contains a lot of profanity and cursing which is uncomfortable for many of the students as well as the teacher, when it comes to reading aloud in the classroo...

All the light we Cannot See by Anthony Doerr I read this last year and absolutely LOVED it. Am delighted to see this added to the new prescribed  list of texts and hope many teachers choose to study it in the classroom. This is a truly beautiful read which will stay in students’ minds and hearts for years. This achingly gorgeous story is about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. It progresses in pace as the story unfolds and gradually becomes a tense cat and mouse chase and is impossible to put down! I don’t remember any objectionable language or scenes in the story so it is very appropriate for Secondary students to study.    Verdict: Am delighted to see this truly great piece of literature introduced in the new wave of texts… ( Reviewed by Yvonne k.,Parent from Co.Donegal) Great choice by the NCCA! All the Light We Cannot See is a beautiful and riveting read. Lots of great ...

  This film is based on lucy Alibar's one-act play, Juicy and Delicious,  and really, in terms of its suitability for study in the classroom, we think the best things about it are the excellent acting performance by 9 yr old Quvenzhane Wallis and the unusual, quirky camera shots. Other than this, the story itself is disjointed, incohesive and depressing, depicting extreme poverty, abuse and neglect (physical and emotional) . Verdict: Not a good choice for clasroom study. Reviewed by IrishParents I watched this with my 14 yr old daughter last night (whose favourite subject is English) and she found this movie very bleak and was disturbed by the scenes of extreme neglect and the abuse hurled at the 9 yr old actress by her father. She also commented that the bloody scenes of animal carnage where the boar-like creatures and dogs are torn open, with their intestines spilling out, were unsuitable for young people of her age to be forced to watch and  (quite rightly) that the...

  Roddy Doyle's Wilderness is set in Lapland amidst snowstorms and adventure and uses a family husky-sledging holiday as the backdrop against which to explore themes of family break -up and survival, bravery and acceptance. Verdict: good read for junior level. No objectionable language (well done Roddy Doyle!) I admit I groaned when this book snuck into our house via a visiting Aunty, because I was expecting it to be full of bad language like most (all??) of Roddy Doyle's offerings....but hey! I have been pleasantly surprised by Wilderness which doesn't contain any objectionable language and is actually a lovely story. Nicola P. Co. Meath

  Whale Rider tells the inspiring story of how a young Maori girl, Kahu, of the Whangara tribe, New Zealand, struggles to overcome her fears and limitations in order to achieve her destiny. Kahu can communicate with and ride on the backs of whales, and rises in prominence to step into the shoes of the next tribal leader. However, there are obstacles to overcome within her own family but love and determination win out. Themes of this movie include heroism; cultural inheritance/expectations; the sacredness of nature; tradition Vs modernity; male/female roles; family. Beautiful, thoughtful piece of work.... Verdict: Great movie for study in today's classroom with plenty of relevant themes to hold the attention of Junior students. No profanity or inappropriate sexual content. lovely to see this movie on the curriculum. A family favourite in our house! Jules B. Co. Kildare Love this movie! Kathy A.  Co. Monaghan My daughters always cry when we watch this beautiful film. Lots of...

  The  Strange Case of Dr   Jekyll   and Mr   Hyde   by Robert Louis Stevenson is a gothic horror narrative (published  in 1886) about the complexities of science and the duplicity of human nature. Dr   Jekyll   is a kind, well-respected and intelligent scientist who meddles with the darker side of science, as he wants to bring out his 'second' (evil) nature. J ekyll  has developed a potion that allows him to transform  himself  into  Hyde  and back again. When he runs out of the potion, he is trapped in his  Hyde  form and commits  suicide . While in the character of Hyde, he  is violent and commits terrible crimes - the trampling of an innocent young girl and the murder of Carew. He is unforgiving and doesn't repent for his crimes and sins. He is selfish and wishes for complete dominance over Jekyll. Verdict: The subject matter of this novella is much more suited for study by a mature audience. ...